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What are Vocational Schools?
What are Vocational Schools?
Explore the advantages of vocational schools for fast-track career entry. Find online trade programs that focus on hands-on skills and industry-standard credentials.
Vocational schools are trade schools designed to provide career-focused training that prepares students for specific jobs in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, and technology. The best trade schools emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills, often allowing students to gain experience that directly applies to the workplace.
Programs at vocational schools are typically shorter than traditional degree paths and are closely aligned with industry needs. Understanding how vocational schools work can help you decide if this type of focused, skills-based education is the right path for your career goals.
<h3 id="section---WhatVocationalSchoolsOffer">What Vocational Schools Offer</h3>
<p>Vocational schools generally provide practical, concrete training for specific jobs, in contrast to traditional academic colleges and universities that also present abstract and theoretical content. Graduation from these programs prepares students for entry-level work without further training or education. Many vocational schools also offer academic courses. Nearly all vocational schools award certificates and associate's degrees, with some also offering bachelor's, master's and even doctoral degree programs. Some schools may also offer programs online.
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<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutVocationalSchools">Important Facts About Vocational Schools</h3>
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<table border="1"><tr><td>Prerequisites</td><td>High School Diploma or G.E.D.</td></tr>
<tr><td>Programs</td><td>Automotive Technician, Computer technician, Hairstylist, Medical Assistant, Truck Driver</td></tr>
<tr><td>Degrees</td><td> Associate, bachelor's, master's, doctorate</td></tr>
<tr><td>Certification</td><td>Offered</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---CareerPreparationAtVocationalSchools">Career Preparation at Vocational Schools</h3>
<p>Typical program areas at vocational or technical schools include computer technology, health care services, law enforcement and business administration, among others. Many schools offer programs designed to prepare students for the following careers:
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<ul><li>Administrative Assistant
</li><li>Emergency Medical Technician
</li><li>Police Officer
</li><li>Human Resources Manager
</li><li>Graphic Designer
</li><li>TV and Radio Broadcaster
</li><li>Computer Technician
</li><li>HVAC-R Technician
</li></ul><h3 id="section---AccreditationOfVocationalSchools">Accreditation of Vocational Schools</h3>
<p>Accreditation is a critical factor to consider when choosing which vocational school to attend. Some vocational, technical and career schools claim accreditation, but the accrediting agency they cite may not be one recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Earning a degree from a school whose accreditation is recognized by the Department of Education ensures that the education you receive meets certain academic standards. Further, it is more likely that the credits you've earned will transfer to another school and that employers will consider your education to be acceptable.</p>
